US official expresses concern over orders to shoot protesters, says reconciliation process should begin immediately by involving Pakistan's friends
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Washington (News International News - 27th November, 2024) US Congress members, Biden and Trump administration officials, and Amnesty International have demanded the release of former Prime Minister and founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and urged the Pakistani government not to use force against PTI protesters. According to the report, Richard Grenell, who served as Director of National Intelligence in Trump’s former administration, also issued a special statement in this regard on his official “X” account. He is still considered the most important figure in Donald Trump’s team and has been selected to negotiate with Russia on the Ukraine issue.
Richard Grenell shared a Bloomberg report on the alarming situation in Islamabad and wrote that Imran Khan should be released. Zalmay Khalilzad, a key official in Trump’s first administration, expressed concern over the report of the “shoot-at-sight order” and wrote on “X” that giving such an order is a “catastrophic” mistake. This is not the right way to enforce the law. For the sake of Pakistan and its future, a reconciliation process should be started immediately by involving Pakistan’s friends. After significant coverage of the situation in Pakistan in the US media over the past two days, members of the US Congress also criticized the ongoing political crisis and human rights situation in Pakistan and demanded that all political prisoners, including Imran Khan, be released. They also condemned the use of force to suppress protests and dissent. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib described the situation of repression of PTI protesters in Pakistan and the increasing political violence and said that such efforts are to suppress democracy and human rights. She said, “I stand with the brave people of Pakistan who are waking up and protesting for change.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chairperson of the Human Rights Caucus, highlighted the fundamental rights of freedom and said that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are inseparable from democracy. She expressed support for democracy supporters fighting for justice and human rights in Pakistan and said that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are essential for democracy, which should be the case in the United States, Pakistan and around the world.
Congresswoman Rokhana also said on the recent developments that she is deeply concerned about the reports of internet shutdowns, road blockages and detention of political activists in Pakistan. Freedom of expression and uninterrupted provision of internet services are essential for any state. Congresswoman Summerlee said that the bravery of the people of Pakistan in their struggle to improve the electoral system and make the courts fearless is impressive. Any oppression of basic human rights is condemnable. Congressman Brad Sherman highlighted the atrocious human rights situation in Pakistan, including forced conversion of political affiliations and disappearances of citizens, as well as the misuse of laws. He also condemned the sectarian violence in Kurram Agency. Brad Sherman stressed the right of Imran Khan’s supporters to peacefully protest. Several members of Congress urged the Pakistani government to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles. Amnesty International expressed serious concerns about the use of force by the Pakistani government to deal with protests and demonstrators, demanding that the government respect the rights of protesters and immediately withdraw the “shoot-on-sight order” because such official orders give the military unnecessary powers.
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